A membrane composed of epithelium is generally called an epithelial membrane. Which means the most common example is the mucous membrane, or tunica mucosa, which lines organs and body passages that open to the outside. That said, an epithelial membrane is not usually made of epithelium alone; it also contains a supporting layer of connective tissue. Understanding this distinction helps explain how the body protects internal surfaces while allowing them to perform specialized functions such as absorption, secretion, filtration, and sensation Simple, but easy to overlook..
The Short Answer
The simplest answer is that an epithelial membrane is the type of membrane containing an epithelial covering. Depending on the textbook or anatomical context, the term may refer to one of three major membranes:
- Mucous membranes line passages that communicate with the exterior.
- Serous membranes
